Gros Ventre Slide Road
Natural disaster site with Teton Range backdrop.
This backcountry road follows the Gros Ventre River to the site of Wyoming’s most famous natural disaster – the massive 1925 landslide that dammed the river and created Slide Lake. The route passes through classic Wyoming ranch country before climbing into the Gros Ventre Mountains, with the slide scar still clearly visible across the valley. The abandoned town of Kelly sits along the route, testament to the flood that followed when the natural dam burst in 1927.
Easy to moderate difficulty on mostly gravel roads, though the final approach to the slide gets rougher. Any high-clearance vehicle can make it, 4WD helpful but not required in dry conditions. Best accessed May through October, with spectacular fall colors in September. The road connects to extensive Forest Service trails deeper into the Gros Ventre Wilderness. Great day trip from Jackson with incredible Teton views and a piece of Wyoming geological history you can actually touch.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Jackson, Wyoming |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock pickup truck handle Gros Ventre Slide Road?
Yes, but high-clearance is recommended for the rougher gravel sections and water crossings. Most stock trucks will make it fine in dry conditions.
Is the road open in spring or does snow block it?
The road typically opens in May once snow melts at higher elevations. Early season can have muddy conditions and deeper water crossings.
Do I need any permits to drive to the slide site?
No permits required. It's a Forest Service road open to public vehicle access during the season.
What's the worst section of the trail difficulty-wise?
The water crossings can be the trickiest part, especially early season when runoff is higher. Nothing too technical, just use common sense.
Are there good dispersed camping spots along the route?
Yes, several established dispersed sites exist along the road with decent spacing from the main route. Lower Slide Lake area has some prime spots with Teton views.